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Who It the Most Effective Leader?

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Submitted By jaded3
Words 3162
Pages 13
Title: Who is the more effective leader? Executive Summary
“Leadership is a complex phenomenon involving the leader, the followers and the situation” (Hughes, Ginnett and Curphy, 2012, p3). This paper will look at two leaders, one from the corporate sector and the other from the not-for-profit sector, Gail Kelly and Ian Cox. Both have developed styles of leadership to ensure they interact with their followers within particular environments and situation.
Interactional framework needs to be taking into account, rather than looking at leaders, followers or situation in isolation, as this provides a complete view of the leadership process. The interactive nature of leader-followers-situation helps understand the changing nature of the leader-follower relationship and the increasingly greater complexity of situations leaders and followers face.
An analysis of Gail Kelly’s and Ian Cox’s leadership styles exposes some similarities, within vastly different situations and followers. Daniel Goleman (2000) identified six different leadership styles, authoritative, affiliative, pace-setting, democratic, coaching and coercive. Both Kelly and Cox employ different styles in their attempt to gear the followers towards attainment of a goal, objectives and the fulfillment of a vision.
The organisations that Ms Kelly and Mr Cox are employed have defined their leadership. Kelly heads and organisation who main goal is to make profits for its shareholders, whereas Cox’ role is to provide human service from the funds that are available to the organisation. His incentive is to make the most from the donated dollar.
Good leadership makes a difference, and it can be enhanced through greater awareness of the important factors influencing the leadership process. It is imperative that leaders utilise different approaches and display different styles to fit the situation

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